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 | Canberra Galleries / Museums Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 42 |  |
 | |  |  | Galleries / Museums: National Gallery of Australia | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
Sitting in the Parliamentary Triangle, almost alongside the High Court and the lake, the National Gallery of Australia is another winner of a design contest. Although the styling of the building does not excite me, it must be said that it functions well as a gallery with its large purpose-designed spaces on three levels. Unlike most overseas galleries, entry is free to the normal displays, though there are charges for temporary special displays ($20A for the excellent display on Egyptian Antiquities from the Louvre collection). The focus of the normal displays is on modern art, Australian indigenous art, and Asian Art, with some other Australian art also on display. Personally, much is not to my taste, but you may find it’s just your ticket! By far the most famous work is Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock. Don’t miss the outdoor scupture garden, or the great views over the lake from the windows of the licensed café. Also unlike many overseas galleries, photography is forbidden. It is claimed this is because of Copyright Law … maybe someone needs to talk to the Learned Judges in the nearby High Court! Open daily 1000 – 1700 (closed Christmas Day) Café (licensed) 1000 -1600 Main photo: the gallery’s form and prime position near the lake shows up well from the hot air balloon Second photo: the front façade, showing the entry area Third photo: south wall of the building, with poster on the Egyptian display. Fourth photo: brochure for Egyptian Antiquities special display. Address: Parkes Place, Parkes ACT 2600Phone: (02) 6240 6502Directions: Lakeside in front of Old Parliament House: the Gallery is just east of the High Court.Website: www.nga.gov.au/
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| | | | Galleries / Museums: National Film & Sound Archive | Tip Rating: | | | | |
If you into history and memorabilia of Australian movies and sound recording (Shine, the Story of Kelly Gang, Murials Wedding), television show (The Sullivan, Mavis Bramston show, Blue Heelers), radio production the National Film & Sound Archive (NFSA) is the place to visit. The archive collects and preserves old and as well new films, videos, audio tapes, wire recording and other historical items such as phonograph cylinders, vintage equipment. It also collects still photos, costumes, posters, cards and many more. One of the big room visitors is able to see and hear clips from films, TV and radio program. On the right side of the entrance it’s a cinema. When I was there they were showing old Australian documentaries. The archive collections are very diverse. They have material from 1890 to present. The NFSA collections are reflections of Australian creativity and historical values. Its worth visiting. The good part is it's free. The courtyard cafe and shop are open to the public Monday to Sunday. Weekdays: 9am to 5pm Weekends: 10am to 5pm Address: McCoy circuit Acton ACT 2601Phone: 02 6248 2000Directions: Near Australian University (ANU)Website: www.nfsa.afc.gov.au
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| | | | Galleries / Museums: Canberra II | Tip Rating:  | | | | |
There are other things that stand out in Canberra, notably Parliament House, the National Library and the Telstra Tower atop a nearby hill and affording the best views of Canberra while standing on a building. Possibly the most memorable way to view the town would be to get aboard one of the many balloons that fly every morning (seven when I was last there), weather permitting. If you are an early riser and have a camera I recommend you get lakeside just after sunrise and, again weather permitting, you should get some great shots of coloured balloons over Canberra reflected in the water. Parliament House (surely the only one in the world covered by a lawn) is worthy of some time. The tour is informative and an insight into where some of my taxes went! At nighttime, should you be crossing the main bridge over Lake Burley Griffin, you will see this colourful edifice, the new Australian National Museum, whose architecture defies description. Frankly, I think it looks great at night and downright ugly in the day. Leave a Comment
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| | | | Galleries / Museums: National Museum of Australia | Tip Rating: | | | | |
The NMA is Canberra's newest and most controversial attraction, so as I entered I was wondering what I'd find. At the main reception counter (entry is free) a very pleasant lady asked if I’d visited before. I found that all the staff I encountered were particularly friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. Armed with her advice on the suggested sequence for visiting, I headed off inside. I’d recommend getting this briefing, because the display areas free flow from one to another and not necessarily in the suggested visiting sequence. At the least, be sure to pick up a free “Museum Map” at the entrance. I should add that there are guided tours at 1100 and 1330 Mondays and Fridays, and at 1030, 1200 and 1330 on weekends. My conclusions after a 3.5 hour visit? Yes, it’s very different from any museum I’ve previously visited, as much as anything because (skipping the official “mission statement” type words) it is essentially a museum of the sociology of Australia, with only a passing nod to science and technology, the usual mainstays of museums. It’s quite enjoyable, sometimes quirky, sometimes irreverent. If you’re looking intently (I don’t want to say ‘critically’, because I don’t wish to imply ”with a view to criticism”) you’ll soon identify some of the common themes and find yourself looking for your areas of interest – I know I did. As I left, I found myself analysing my reactions for quite some time. To summarise the result, I'd say it’s a valiant effort which could never entirely satisfy everyone. I felt that some areas had been given scant coverage, with nothing at all on other issues and topics I’d like to have seen: on the other hand, the favoured themes are obvious (sometimes laboured) from the moment you enter the display halls. But everyone would have their own personal interpretations of “what they shoulda done”! Go along with an open mind: I think that, whatever your conclusions, you’ll find it an engrossing visit. Open 0900 – 1700 daily (closed Christmas Day). Address: Lawson Cres, Acton Peninsula CanberraPhone: Ph 1800 026 132 (free)Directions: Head west on Parkes Way from Commonwealth Ave, then take the signposted exit to the left.Website: www.nma.gov.au Other Contact: information@nma.gov.au
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| | | | Galleries / Museums: National Gallery of Australia | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Canberra's National Gallery, on the south shore of the lake, has probably the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th century works by Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works include bark paintings from Arnhem Land, pukumani burial poles from the Tiwi people and printed fabrics from central Australia. There's also plenty of foreign art from all eras, and most travelling exhibitions stop by Canberra on their way around the world. The collection is not confined to paintings: sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, ceramics, fashion, textiles and silverware are all on display. There are a couple of pleasant restaurants on the grounds, and free lectures are often given. Leave a Comment
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Canberra
on August 27, 2007
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